51To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 3 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 1. instant Dr. Samuel Davis of Ballstown was on ye. 14 September last notified of his appointment as Surgeons Mate in the twelfth Regiment of Infantry no information of his acceptance has been received at this Office. I enclose you an appointment which has been made out for Doctor William McIntosh as an additional Surgeon’s Mate you will perceive that he has...
52To John Adams from James McHenry, 2 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
I am informed that Tench Frances Eqr Purveyor of public supplies, died last night; This event creates a vacancy in an important office, which the necessities of the service, require, should be filled with as little delay as possible. Permit me respectfully to present to you, the name of Mr. Jonathan Williams as a successor to this office. He is a gentleman of intelligence, activity, experience...
53To John Adams from James McHenry, 1 May 1800 (Adams Papers)
An Act of Congress, passed the 4th of May, 1798, entituled “An Act to enable the President of the United States to procure Cannon, Arms & Ammunition, and for other purposes,” provides—Section 1. “That a Sum not exceeding Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars shall be, and hereby is appropriated, and shall and may be paid out of any Monies not before appropriated, under the direction of the President...
54To John Adams from James McHenry, 29 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
Having maturely reflected upon the principal question, contained in your communication, dated yesterday, to the Heads of Departments, and Attorney General, and beleiving it of great importance to the honour, dignity and consistency of the Government, that a public Printer should be appointed by the President, I have respectfully to submit my opinion on the subject. The principal question I...
55To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 29 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The friends of Pierson Green a private in Captain Henrys Company in the Second regiment of Artillerists and Engineers having applied to me for his discharge on account of his being disqualified for active service I directed him to be examined by Doctor Gillasspy formerly Surgeon of the 3d Regiment of Infantry who has given the following Certificate: “Philada. April 24. 1800 I certify on...
56To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 29 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
On the 15 August last I received from you the proceedings of a Court Martial in the case of Lieutenant Kreemer of the first regiment of Infantry; the sentence of which was a dismission from the service of the United States. These proceedings were accordingly laid before the President who on the 18 September approved of the Sentence and directed the same to be carried into effect If I recollect...
57To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 24 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you a letter from Samuel Annin and sundry depositions tending to prove that Joseph Cross a Private in Captain Faulkners Company 11. Regiment was under the age of 18. Years at the time of his enlistment—You will take such order therein as to you may appear proper. I am Sir with great respect Your obed servant— ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). There is an "X" mark in the...
58To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 21 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to enclose you a Copy of a letter from the Accountant of the War department dated 18th. instant (with the several papers therein referred to) stating that it appears from the accounts of the Contractor for the State of New York that Captain Andrew White of the 12. United States regiment had granted to the Contractors Agent at Stillwater a Certificate for 3. or 400. rations...
59To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 16 instant enclosing the Commission of Captain Erasmus Babbet. You will be pleased to inform him that his resignation is accepted and that his pay and emoluments will cease on the 15: May next— I am Sir with great Respect Your obed Servant ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
60To John Adams from James McHenry, 16 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of War respectfully submits the following observations in obedience to the direction of the President of the United States. The Secretary very much doubts the soundness of the principle, upon which a refusal to deliver up merchant vessels captured by a Belligerent power is founded. It appears to the Secretary, considering the question upon general ground, that merchant vessels...
61To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 14 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I understood from you some time since, that you had directed the suspension of the recruiting service for the 12 new regiments, and ordered all recruits and officers thereto belonging to their respective Regiments. Col Moore, I find, has not yet received these orders, and it would appear that some of the Regiments Southerly are still recruiting. I mention this to bring the ⟨subject⟩ to your...
62To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 14 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 10 instant, enclosing the resignations of Captain Patterson and Lieut Cuyler of the twelfth regiment and Lieutenant Robinson of the first. You will be pleased to inform those Gentlemen that their resignations have been accepted. I enclose you a Copy of a letter from Lt. Col Butler dated the fourth instant. I am Sir with great respect ( LS , Hamilton Papers,...
63To John Adams from James McHenry, 12 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
In the hurry of copying my letter of the 2d. instant, which I had the honor of delivering to you yesterday, I find an error escaped my notice, in the 22d. page 14th. line from the top—the word four being inserted instead of the word six —which was intended. I am Sir / with the greatest respect / your most obedient / humble servant DLC : James McHenry Papers.
64To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 7 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the ——— ultimo enclosing the Commission of Samuel Flagg Junr. a first Lieutenant in the fourteenth regiment of Infantry—You will be pleased to cause it to be notified to Mr. Flagg that his resignation has been accepted—and inform me of the time he retires from the regiment. I enclose you a letter from Daniel Jones soliciting the discharge of Henry Fonnemore, his...
65To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 5 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Mrs. Adams at her drawing room yesterday evening took occasion to mention to me, that she had understood, one of the regiments now in Jersey were to be removed to Rhode Island, perhaps to assist in completing the fortifications, that if so, and it did not break in upon any fixed disposition of the force, it would give her great pleasure could it be the Regiment commanded by Lt. Col. Smith....
66To John Adams from James McHenry, 2 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
I find myself indespenssibly compelled, altho’ with the most perfect deference and respect, to represent, that the greatest embarrassments and impediments, in conducting the business of, and well grounded complaints against, the Department of Government, with which I have the honour to be charged, have been occasioned by delays occurring in the office of the accounting officer, or refusals, to...
67To John Adams from James McHenry, 1 April 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Seccy. of War begs leave to inform the President that commissions have been transmitted, to all the officers of the new regiments whose appointments have been confirmed by the Senate. It would have been a very useless and unnecessary expence to have made out commissions for those appointed in the recess of the Senate, inasmuch as new ones must have been issued on their appointment being...
68To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 1 April 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I believe, from the opinions entertained of Beal, and disfavorable to Hopkins, that the former is the preferable officer; but can we upon such ground depart from the rules which have been laid down to govern in cases of relative rank. It strikes me, fewest inconveniences will be experienced by an adherence to them than we should find, were we once to admit mere relative merit to decide such...
69To John Adams from James McHenry, 31 March 1800 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of War in compliance with the desire of the President communicated through the Secretary of State, has the Honour respectfully to submit the following facts and opinions in the case of Captain Levin Jones, against whom a bill has been found by a Grand Jury for Murder. It is respectfully conceived that the Prerogative of granting a nolle prosequi ought not to be exercised but with...
70To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Here is what the committee have reported. They would not go further, and I wish Congress may go as far. You forgot, when you thought to combine interests, that the little passions are great intermeddlers in the most important affairs. Yours truely ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; ADfS , James McHenry, Library of Congress. For an explanation of the contents of this letter, see...
71To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a private letter to me from Col. W. S. Smith in which he has stated at large his claim to rank. This I apprehend is done with a view that he may stand as the first or oldest Lieutenant Colonel of the 12 Regiments. I have not time to examine the merits of his pretensions and request you to undertake it, and in case you are of opinion that he should stand before Col. Hall to advise...
72To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 26 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the 18 and 25, instant. I herewith transmit you the relative rank of the field Officers of the twelve additional regiments of Infantry as made out by the late Commander in Chief together with Copies of his letters and of the several papers referred to him. The letter from Colonel Read herein enclosed was not received until after the papers were returned by...
73To John Adams from Timothy Pickering, 21 March 1800 (Adams Papers)
We have had the honour in obedience to your commands maturely to consider the papers and subject referred to us in your letter dated 29 January Ultimo, and the law of Tennessee passed the 26. October 1799 and a letter from the Governor of the said State to William Cocke and Joseph Anderson Senators and William Charles Cole Claiborne Representative of the State of Tennessee in the Congress of...
74To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 21 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I transmit you a petition from a Soldier of the 10th Regiment, praying for a Discharge from the Service: if it can consistently be granted, you will be pleased to take the necessary Order to that effect. I have the Honour to be, Sir, Your most obedt Servt. ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
75To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your two letters of the 7th. one of the 10th. two of the 11th. 3 of the 12th. one of the 13 and one of the 14. instant. Agreeably to the rule approved of by the late General Washington relative to the order of rank among field Officers and the documents in this Office Major Hopkins will take rank of Major William D. Beale. The rule prescribes that as to all such of the field...
76To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 19 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I received last night your letter inclosing the draught of a bill relative to the articles of war. I made out two draughts of bills for the military academy, one on the most enlarged plan with limitations which ensured against any extension beyond the Fundamental School and school of Engineers and Artillerists until an appropriation for the purpose. The committee have preferred the other bill...
77To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 18 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Mr. Chapin, Agent for Indian Affairs, has informed me, under date of 6th ulto, that “the Tuskarora Nation, residing near to Niagara, complain of Major Rivardi, (or his people under his command) of killing three of their Horses, & on finding proof to that effect he has refused to make them satisfaction.” This complaint is of a serious nature: you will be pleased to take such order upon it, as...
78To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 14 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed are Regulations respecting certain Supplies and respecting objects of special and extra Expence. I request you will be pleased to take such order relative thereto as will tend to facilitate their due execution. I have the honor to be, with great respect, sir, your obedt. servant. LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Regulations respecting certain supplies and respecting...
79To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 14 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I transmit a Letter from a Soldier at Fort Sumner soliciting his Discharge from the Service. You will be pleased to take such Order upon it, as it may require. I have the Honour to be Sir, Your most obedt Servt. ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
80To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 13 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letters of the 11. instant. You will be pleased to inform Captain Cole that the President has accepted his resignation, and that his pay and emoluments cease on the 20 instant I wrote you on the 21. August last respecting Samuel Winter Church a duplicate of which I enclose I am Sir with great respect Your obed servant ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). There are...
81To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 12 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
You will be pleased to cause the following Regulations to be observed respecting Soldiers allowed to be taken from the line of the army, to attend on officers. To the Commander in chief or General having a seperate command is allowed three without arms. To the inspector General, Quarter master General, each Major General not having a seperate command, and to the adjutant General two of the...
82To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 7 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your two letters dated the 2d. & 3d. instant. I enclose copy of “An act to suspend in part an act, intitled an act to augment the army of the United States, and for other purposes” passed the 20~ ultimo—providing that all further enlistments under the 2d. Section of the original act, shall be suspended until the further order of Congress, unless in the recess of Congress, and...
83To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 3 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have to acknowledge the receipt of two letters from you dated the 25th. two the 26 and one of the 27 of February Ulto. The circumstances stated relative to Captain Bowmans pretensions to rank first Captain in the Eleventh regiment of Infantry readily induce me to give my sanction to his being so placed in the arrangement It would be perfectly agreeable to me that the Troops had their...
84To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, [1 March 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
Will you give a few hours to the formation of a bill, or bills, providing. 1. For the modifications of the two Regiments of Artillerists agreeably to the principles laid down in my report. 2. For establishing the Fundamental School and School of Artillerists & Engineers. 3 For such other points mentioned in my report as requiring legislative provisions. 4 An explanatory clause in the latter...
85To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 1 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is an appointment of additional Surgeon’s mate for Walter Hunnewell who was recommended in your letter of the 19. February Ultimo. A regular appointment for Oliver Hubbard as Surgeon’s Mate to the Second regiment of Artillerists and Engineers cannot be made at this Juncture— I am Sir with great respect Your obedt. servant ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). There are an "X"...
86To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 28 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is the list of the Officers of the four regiments of Infantry which was omitted to be sent in my letter of Yesterday. I am Sir with great respect Your obed Servant. LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. In the Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress, is the final list of the officers of the first four regiments of infantry arranged by relative rank with a column of “Remarks”...
87To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your letter dated the 21st: instant on the 25th. I have examined your new list and arrangement of the Officers of the four old Regiments of Infantry, with the original arrangement as it stands on Record and find that it differs therefrom in a few transpositions only, viz: in removing Capt. Tinsley from the first to the fourth and Capt. Bird from the fourth to the first, Surgeon...
88To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 24 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, February 24, 1800. “… The selection of Col. Ogden for Deputy Quarter Master General is very judicious. He is well qualified in my opinion to discharge the duties, provided he gives himself up entirely to them.… There is a question however which it may not be amiss for you to examine relative to this appointment previous to your making a final communication to Colonel Ogden. A...
89To John Adams from James McHenry, 19 February 1800 (Adams Papers)
The enclosed proceedings of a Court Martial in the case of Lieut: Samuel Hoffman of the Twelfth Regiment of Infantry with a letter from Major General Hamilton dated the 18th. instant, is respectfully submitted to the President of the United States. I have the honor to be, / with the greatest respect, / Sir, / your most obedt. & hble. servant MHi : Adams Papers.
90To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 18 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of yesterday informing me of your return to New York. What I suggested might happen has been realized. The Senate yielded to the supposed momentum of public opinion, or some other agent as powerful, and passed the bill from the House of Representatives to suspend further inlistments for the twelve Regiments & 6 companies of cavalry. A feeble attempt was made in...
91To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 27 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I now have the Honour to transmit to you a Copy of my circular Letter to Colonels Moore, J. Smith, Read, Bentley, Hall, Parker, Ogden & W S. Smith, in consequence of the Bill which passed the House of Representatives on Friday last, to suspend enlistments for the six additional Companies of Cavalry & the twelve Regiments of Infantry. You will please to issue such further orders as to you shall...
92To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 25 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The house of Representatives yesterday passed a bill to suspend enlistments for the six additional companies of cavalry and twelve regiments of Infantry. It is now before the Senate, and may also receive the sanction of that body, altho’ (perhaps) not immediately. It is therefore thought advisable, that the terms of enlistment be altered and until otherwise directed run, “for and during the...
93To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 25 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to request that you would be pleased, to give the necessary orders that the Cadets in the fortifications on the Sea Board, and at West Point may receive the same allowance of fuel ⅌ month as is granted to the Lieutenants, agreeably to the regulations established by this Department— I am Sir with respect Your obed servant ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
94To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 22 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I enclose you a letter just received from Lt. Jas. Ryan of the 3d. Regiment of Infantry—On the 25. Nov. last I wrote you and enclosed you a letter from that Gentleman— I am Sir W. great respect Your obed servant ( LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress), enclosing James Ryan to McHenry, December 29, 1799 (copy, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
95To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 21 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I transmit you herewith a number of Copies of the Contracts made with James O Hara for the supply of the Western posts and the posts on the Mississippi and the supplementary Contract fixing the Value of ye. small parts of the ration, and new places of issuing, which you will be pleased to have distributed in such manner as you may judge proper— I am Sir with great Respect your obed Servant (...
96To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 17 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
War Department, January 17, 1800. “I have received this morning your three letters dated the 15 and 16 instant. It being presumed that Lieutenant Baldwin will do duty until it is known that his resignation is accepted he may be informed that it is accepted.… The uncertainty which hangs over the new regiments as it respects their being continued on the establishment has hitherto prevented me...
97To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, [17 January 1800] (Hamilton Papers)
I recd. yours of the 15 inst this morning, informing me, that urgent business would call you to Albany on Sunday. I inclose you my report. I think it too probable, that the house of Representatives will determine upon a suspension of the recruiting service, and doubt the firmness of the Senate. Yours affecy ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress; ADf , James McHenry Papers, Library of...
98To John Adams from James McHenry, 10 January 1800 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to submit to your consideration, a report relative to the military establishment of the United States. It suggests several propositions, which if adopted, it is respectfully presumed would ameleorate our military system, and contribute essentially to the security and respectability of the United States. I have the honour to be Sir, with the greatest respect Sir / Your most...
99To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 10 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your two letters of the 2d. instant. An appointment of Surgeon to the Sixth regiment of Infantry was, sometime since, made out for Doctor Roger Cutler and forwarded under Cover to Colonel Read. I have no objection to the appointment of Mr. Pasteur as Quarter Master to that regiment. The Cadets of the Artillery have been considered as intitled to...
100To Alexander Hamilton from James McHenry, 7 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Being much pressed to prepare information called for by Congress, I can at present only notice the subject of your letters of the 2nd & 4th inst. Not considering the question whether rations can be issued to Officers’ Servants (who are not Soldiers) as within the Executive Competency to determine, I have embraced it in my report to the President as a subject for a Legislative provision. I...